After such a good summer he’s no doubt very happy with the squad he has assembled, but there’s some interesting names still looking for clubs that the Spaniard could snap up for Newcastle - including one of his former players.

Here’s 10 free agents still available.

1. Junior Hoilett

The former Blackburn and QPR winger is still only 26.

He left Loftus Road after four seasons this summer in the hope of finding a new challenge but has so far been unable to find a new club.

Rafa Benitez did consider two wingers at the end of the window but ended up with just one in Christian Atsu.

With Rolando Aarons on the injury list and Atsu injury-prone himself, Hoilett would certainly be a decent addition to the Magpies squad.

Mathieu Debuchy tracks back against QPR

2. Stephane Sessegnon

Benitez has not been shy in signing ex-Sunderland players this summer, with both DeAndre Yedlin and Daryl Murphy arriving.

Sessegnon is another ex-Black Cat who would be available on a free and would fit into Benitez’s system well behind the striker.

Still playing regular Premier League football last season at West Brom, the Benin international is a skilful and creative player who might appeal to Benitez.

3. Martin Caceres

In adding Ciaran Clark and Grant Hanley to his squad this summer, Benitez now has four more-than capable centre-backs available to him at St James’ Park.

However, former Barcelona and Juventus defender Martin Caceres is available for a free after leaving the Serie A champions this summer and getting injured.

The Achilles tendon rupture is expected to keep him on the sideline until next month and selling a move to the Championship to him would likely prove difficult.

However, if he were to arrive there would be no doubting the quality he would offer. His versatility means he can play at either side of full-back too.

4. Joey O’Brien

Joey O'Brien (Image: PA Wire)

Still unconvinced with Newcastle’s full-backs?

Former Bolton and West Ham defender O’Brien has played plenty of Premier league and Championship football and would certainly add experience to the squad.

His versatility could make him a worthy squad addition.

5. Jose Enrique

Another option if you wanted a full-back could be former Toon man Jose Enrique who spent four successful seasons on Tyneside.

Despite falling out of favour at Liverpool, the Spaniard is still only 30.

He’s only played 21 games in the last three seasons, however, so his fitness could be an issue.

Jose Enrique in action for Liverpool (Image: 2016 Getty Images)

6. Royston Drenthe

Another versatile player who could operate in any position down the left or in central midfield, Drenthe was considered one of the hottest young talents when he joined Real Madrid in 2007.

However, he never reached the heights expected of him - but did impress in a season-long loan spell at Everton.

Heads were turned two years later in 2014 when he arrived at Reading but, despite making 23 league appearances, he was told he could leave after a season.

Spells at Sheffield Wednesday, as well as in Turkey and UAE have kept him active, but his fall from grace is concerning.

7. Mathieu Flamini

Still only 32, Flamini could be a brilliant option for Newcastle, with some suggesting on our social media pages that they would have liked another midfielder.

Flamini still has plenty in his locker and could pass on a lot to the Magpies’ younger players too.

Crystal Palace, AC Milan, Roma and Olympiakos are linked to moves for the Frenchman meaning Newcastle would face stiff competition. However, they’re the only side who could likely offer him regular first team football.

8. Sulley Muntari

Another central midfield option, Muntari on his day is still a fantastic central midfield player.

He does suffer from inconsistency but his ability on the ball while sitting deep would likely make him a good addition the Magpies’ midfield.

9. Raul Meireles

Raul Meireles of Portugal (Image: 2013 Getty Images)

Remember him?

He had two very good spells in England with Liverpool and then Chelsea before moving on to Fenerbahce.

He’s now 33 but he could still offer more than enough to Newcastle’s midfield, particularly in the Championship.

He also has one the best beards in football today and for that he deserves a contract!

10. Mohamed Sissoko

Sissoko is a name that might make Newcastle fans shudder - but not to worry this is Mohamed not Moussa.

A player that Benitez knows well, the holding midfielder joined Benitez at Valencia and was a regular as he helped the now-Newcastle manager win La Liga and the Uefa Cup.

Benitez then took him to Merseyside with him where he spent three seasons.

He helped them win the FA Cup in his first season there but fell down the pecking order after that. Still, Sissoko is a man Benitez knows he can count on.

Currently on trial at West Brom, however.

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